walk back

English - English

Definition of walk back in English English dictionary

To withdraw or back-pedal on a statement or promise; retract

Did Obama walk back his support of Cordoba House? As you know, the Internets are alive with the claim that Obama has now walked back his support of Cordoba House, and I've gotten tons of emails telling me that my earlier praise of the speech is no longer operative. But did he really walk back what he said last night?.

Turkish pronunciation

wôk bäk

Pronunciation

/ˈwôk ˈbak/ /ˈwɔːk ˈbæk/

Etymology

[ 'wok ] (verb.) before 12th century. partly from Middle English walken , from Old English wealcan to roll, toss, journey about and partly from Middle English walkien , from Old English wealcian to roll up, muffle up; akin to Middle Dutch walken to knead, press, full.